What Is the Normalisation Constant for a Deuteron Wavefunction?

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The discussion focuses on calculating the normalization constant, C, for the deuteron wavefunction given by ψ(r) = (C/r)e^(-αr) with α = 0.23 fm^(-1). The integral for normalization diverges, leading to confusion about how to proceed. The probability of the nucleons' separation exceeding 2 fm is calculated using P(r>2fm) = ∫(from 2*10^(-15) to ∞) ψ(r)ψ*(r) dr, while the average separation is found using = ∫(from 0 to ∞) ψ(r)rψ*(r) dr, accounting for spherical coordinates. The user suggests that C can be derived as √(2α) and as 1/(2α), emphasizing the need for careful calculations. The thread highlights the complexities involved in normalizing wavefunctions in quantum mechanics.
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Homework Statement


This is the first question from a past exam paper I'm doing at the moment, and I'm not sure if it's a case that I'm doing something stupid, or if there is a problem with the question.

Q: The wavefunction of a deuteron can be approximated by:
\psi (r) = \frac{C}{r} e^{-\alpha r}
Where \alpha = 0.23 fm^{-1}Calculate the Normalisation Constant, C.

What is the probability that the separation of the two nucleons in the deuteron exceeds 2 fm, and what is their average separation.

The Attempt at a Solution


To work out C, I did:
\psi^{*}(r) = \frac{C}{r}e^{-\alpha r}
C^2 \int^{\infty}_{0} r^{-2} e^{-2 \alpha r} = 1

But if you work out this integral, it diverges, so what now?

As for the other part(s), am I right in thinking that you do something along the lines of:
P(r>2fm) = \int^{\infty}_{2*10^{-15}} \psi(r) \psi^{*}(r) dr
and
<r> = \int^{\infty}_{0} \psi(r) r \psi^{*}(r) dr [/itex]
 
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I think you shloud integrate over the whole space, so d^3x =r^2\sin\theta d\phi d\theta dr because of the spherical geometry. However, in your case it should be r^2 dr instead of dr due to the radial part. I get C=\sqrt{2 \alpha} and <r> = \frac{1}{2 \alpha}, but you should calcuate these results because I did the operations quickly.

I hope this helps.
 

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